Praedicator

Verba

Monday, May 30, 2016 - Monday in the 9th Week in Ordinary Time

[2 Pet 1:2-7 and Mark 12:1-12]

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love. [2 Peter]

We don't often see passages from epistles such as 2 Peter, but we do have this gem of a quote today. It's the sort of wisdom that could wind up in one of those cross-stitch pieces on the wall or a cushion! It is a step by step pathway to a Christian life of love with integrity. No matter which century we have been born in, the words ring true. One might look at each part of the long sentence of _______________with____________ and ask, how that process has been or has NOT been at work in one's life. Where might I need some "supplement" to make progress?

The first paragraph of the passage tells us that Jesus' divine power has "bestowed on us everything that makes for life and devotion," so we can count on the Lord's help as we make our way through those recommended supplements. Self-control with endurance? Maybe I need to take a closer look at that one! AMEN

[Note to the Beloved congregation: Be sure to rmember in your prayers today all those who have served and given their lives in our various branches of military. May they rest in peace.]